Ipswich 2-0 Norwich
Ipswich look increasingly set to claim second place after an emphatic 2-0 win at Carrow Road — their first victory there in 20 years. The result completed a league double over Norwich and severely dented the Canaries’ slim play-off hopes. Manager Kieran McKenna said the win meant a great deal to everyone at the club after finally getting a result at Carrow Road earlier in the season and following it up with this away victory.
That triumph leaves Ipswich two points clear of Millwall and three ahead of Middlesbrough, with two games in hand on both. Tough fixtures remain, including meetings with Boro and Southampton, but Ipswich arrive at the run-in with momentum and look well placed to take the second automatic promotion spot alongside Coventry.
Coventry 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Coventry missed an opportunity to clinch promotion as they were held 0-0 by Sheffield Wednesday. Millwall and Middlesbrough both slipped, but Coventry could not capitalise. They are effectively promoted — 12 points clear of third with four games left — and only an extraordinary swing in goal difference could prevent them. Frank Lampard admitted nerves affected his players; a point at Blackburn next Friday will seal promotion.
Southampton 2-1 Derby | Sheff Utd 2-1 Hull | Birmingham 2-0 Wrexham
Southampton came from behind to beat Derby for a fifth straight win, moving into fifth and showing they can still push higher in the play-off race. Tonda Eckert described the performance as one of the best of the week after recent victories, including a midweek 5-1 win over Wrexham. A win at Blackburn would lift Southampton above Middlesbrough and into fourth.
Sheffield United beat Hull 2-1; Hull missed a chance to strengthen their play-off bid after John Lundstram was sent off. Birmingham closed Wrexham’s hopes with a 2-0 win; Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson refused to concede the season is over, saying one win could reignite their challenge.
Leicester 0-1 Swansea | Middlesbrough 0-1 Portsmouth | Oxford 2-0 Watford
Leicester’s problems deepened with a 1-0 home defeat to Swansea, leaving them four points adrift of safety with four games remaining. Gary Rowett called the concession a stupid goal and urged his side to return to basics, warning that the next game will be defining for the club. Even without their points deduction they would be 20th, underlining how alarming the situation is for a squad of their calibre.
Portsmouth closed the gap to Leicester by beating Middlesbrough 1-0 and could pile on pressure depending on their result at Ipswich. Oxford continued their strong form with a deserved 2-0 victory over Watford, picking up 15 points from their last eight games and mounting a late surge up the table.
Key takeaways
– Ipswich look favourites for the second automatic promotion place, buoyed by momentum and games in hand.
– Coventry remain on course for promotion but delayed formal confirmation by dropping points at home.
– Southampton are flying into the play-off places and could still climb higher.
– Hull, Wrexham and the chasing pack retain hope, but slip-ups are increasingly costly.
– Leicester face a genuine relegation battle; their form and standing make their position worrying.
– Portsmouth and Oxford are in good form and adding pressure lower down the table.
All Championship weekend results
Friday
– West Brom 0-0 Millwall
Saturday
– Coventry 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
– Norwich 0-2 Ipswich
– QPR 0-0 Bristol City
– Charlton 1-2 Preston
– Leicester 0-1 Swansea
– Middlesbrough 0-1 Portsmouth
– Oxford 2-0 Watford
– Sheff Utd 2-1 Hull
– Southampton 2-1 Derby
– Stoke 1-1 Blackburn
Sunday
– Birmingham 2-0 Wrexham